One of America’s most reclusive rockers, Ryder Vaughn, gets an unusual sentence handed down to him. The judge, hoping to teach him the value of human life, sentences him to ten months of community service at Reach Within Centre for individuals with special needs. Ryder is convinced that, if he isn’t crazy already, he will be by the time his sentence ends. However, his only other option forfeits his band’s livelihood.

Five minutes after stepping into the centre, his entire life changes when he meets a gorgeous, little spitfire who will challenge everything he has ever believed about himself and the world around him.

Francesca’s devotion has always been to her family, friends, and the job she is passionate about. Her life hasn’t been easy. She sacrifices a lot for the ones she loves and for her dream to visit Italy.

Then Francesca finds herself in a desperate situation, and the tattooed beast who is serving his debt to society must save the headstrong woman from a secret that could destroy her. In turn, Francesca teaches Ryder, if you love something enough, it’s worth fighting for.

Ryder knows he isn’t worthy of love, but this incredible beauty makes him want it.

Ryder can save Francesca from her secrets, but can she save him from his? Is Ryder strong enough to endure the kids she loves and her crazy Italian family?

Ten months can fly by or it can last an eternity.

“This beautifully written novel weaves a story of courage, independence and redemption while pulling on your emotional heart strings through music.”
– Annette Cosentino, Amazon Reviewer

“What I love about Citro is she puts so many beautiful life lessons in her books. This one focused a lot on special needs children and how everyone, especially those who are the hardest, need and deserve love”
– Kristin Campbell, Goodreads Reviewer

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EXCERPT

Now it was Lucky who was pissed. “Sal, get the fuckin’ cement ready. Really, bro, did you have to say that? I like you, and I don’t appreciate you pushing our buttons.”

“Totally out of line; I apologize. Don’t tell me neither one of you have never played that way. If you do, I call bullshit.”

“Rule nine; the most important rule of all,” Sal stated. “You never ever, not ever, acknowledge anything about her participating in any sexual activity. It’s our God given right as Italian brothers to believe our sister is a virgin until the day we hand her off to the man who has passed all our tests. Get me?”

“Yeah, Virgin Francesca Mary.”

“Maria,” Lucky corrected.

Ryder drew his eyebrows together in confusion. “Maria?”

“Francesca Maria Moratti. Maria, Italian for Mary. There is a reason my father named her that. She is pure and good,” Sal explained.

“Agreed. But—and this is a big but—if you two want to continue believing your sister is a virgin, then stop coming here uninvited. You never know what you’re going to walk in on … like the couch we christened last night.” Ryder lifted his chin towards the new couch.

The brothers both started to gag as they looked at the couch.

“You had better be joking, asshole. Frankie! Hurry up in the bathroom! I think I just threw up in my mouth!” Lucky gagged out.

Ryder bellowed a boisterous laugh. “On that note, I should probably start the coffee. Francesca tends to get cranky without caffeine.”

“That’s why we usually bring coffee with us, but we were too excited to see her and hear about her trip today. We forgot.”

That comment softened Ryder up.

“And, guys, let me reassure you. I love that woman more than my own life. She will never question my respect or my loyalty. She is my heart and soul.”

The brothers exchanged a look Ryder couldn’t decipher. Then they approached him. He stuck out his fists, expecting fist bumps. Instead, the brothers leaned in on both side of him and kissed his cheeks in unison. Ryder pushed them away.

“Fuck off, you freaks! There is—”

“Now that’s what I like to see. The men who mean the most to me getting along.” Francesca smiled, arriving just after her brothers’ latest antics.

Lucky and Sal had won this round.

Ryder moved in front of her, bending down to look her straight in the eyes as he lifted his arms out wide. “There is something seriously wrong with your brothers.” He tapped his head with both hands. “They’re not right in the head. You need to make them appointments at the centre. Not funny. I’m serious.”

She pecked him on the lips as she giggled.

Other Books by Anne Marie Citro

Don’t miss the other books in the Sistas series:

UNDER HER WINGS

Series: Sistas Book 1

Have you ever wondered why you were so lucky? Then you wake up to find every you cherished is gone. You don’t fit into your life without the people who defined it. So, you run. You run as fast and as far as you can. Then you smash into them!

“This book is for the hopeless romantic, who believes everyone should get their happy ending. Even when happiness seems unattainable.”
– Amazon Customer, Amazon reviewer

THICKER THAN BLOOD

Series: Sistas Book 3

Can Caden put aside all of the hurt he suffered because of Dakota while trying to save her life? Dakota could die but she needs answers before she goes. Can she trust the man she thought would always be hers? Fate has a way of making you see the truth.

Giveaway

About Anne Marie Citro

Anne Marie Citro grew born and raised in the greater Toronto area of Ontario, Canada. She grew up in a large, loving family. Anne Marie is married to a very patient man. He is the love of her life. They have four very cool sons, and the girls they brought into their family that have become daughters of her heart. She has been blessed enough to finally have a beautiful granddaughter after four sons. She has her own personal gaggle of girlfriends, who enrich her life on a daily basis and make her laugh. Caesar Friday is her favorite day of the week. Caesars with the girls and date night with her hubby. She works with special-needs teenagers, that have taught her how to appreciate life and see it through gentler eyes.

Anne Marie was encouraged by her husband to follow her lifelong dream to write. She loves the characters that take over imagination and haunts her dreams. She loves the arts and she has tried her hand at painting, wood sculpting, chainsaw carving, wood burning, metal and wire sculptures. Yes, her husband is a very patient man! Anne Marie is an avid reader and enjoys about three books per week. But nothing makes her happier then riding on the back of her husband’s Harley and throwing her arms out and feeling the wind race by. Anne Marie and her husband take a few weeks every year to travel to spectacular destination around the world. Anne Marie is excited and can’t wait to see what the next chapter holds for her life.